Nietes defends WBO title vs Mexican

by TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Flyweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes said he was ready to go the full 12 rounds with Mexican challenger Felipe Salguero, and he did just that. But not only did Nietes last 12 rounds, he pretty much dominated almost all of them.

Donnie "Ahas" Nietes of the Philippines lands a straight to the head of Felipe Salguero of Mexico during the Pinoy Pride XIV :Night Champion at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resort World. Nietes won via decision. Photo by ABS-CBNnews.com

It was in the middle rounds from 3 to 6 that saw Nietes really dictate the pace of the fight as he connected with various combinations to the head and to the body of Salguero.

The feisty Mexican did not give up, coming back to life in rounds 7 and 8.

But in the 9th round, a cut under the left eye of Salguero began to swell and blood started to flow.

Rounds 10 and 11 clearly still went Nietes' way as he worked on more headshots which made the blood from Salguero's left eye gush a little stronger.

In round 12, Salguero was fully aware that he was down on points but not on heart, so he gave it his all throwing haymakers and going for broke since a knockout was the only way he could win.

But Nietes, being the savvy veteran that he is, did not bite the bait and kept his distance and stayed defensive in the final round for the victory.

Nietes retained his belt via a unanimous decision with all judges scoring in favor of the Filipino (115-113, 116-112, 116-112).

Meanwhile, the main supporting bouts were also dominated by Filipino fighters.